CORDELLA BART-STEWART OBE
We are delighted to announce that Cordella Bart-Stewart, Tribunal Judge (Immigration and Asylum) and director and co-founder of the Black Solicitors Network (BSN), has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2021 New Year Honours list for services to the Legal Profession and to Diversity and Education.
Congratulating Cordella Bart-Stewart OBE, Paulette Mastin, Chair of the Black Solicitors Network said:
“It is fantastic to see that Cordella has been awarded an OBE, which is richly deserved. Cordella’s unstinting commitment and dedication to equality, diversity and human rights spans 4 decades. She joined the Society of Black Lawyers (SBL) in 1981, becoming SBL’s Secretary in the mid-1980s and went on to found Stewart & Co Solicitors in 1990 specialising in family and immigration law, is currently a Judge of the First tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), co-founded BSN in 1995, is a former BSN Chair and is currently a board member of BSN. Cordella’s foundational and pioneering work over the years, from access to the legal profession to access to the judiciary for racially underrepresented groups, has been central and instrumental to the development and growth of BSN. We are extremely grateful to Cordella for her massive contribution to the legal profession and to BSN and are proud to continue her work by championing racial diversity and striving towards an equal profession.”
Here is what Cordella had to say about receiving this wonderful recognition by the Queen:
“I am delighted to receive an OBE for services to the profession, diversity and education and that Black Solicitors Network is recognised in the citation. But as determined as I was, I could not have done it alone. There are people too numerous to name who have supported and sustained my professional work and projects that I have to thank but most important are my parents who have both sadly died but would be proud.”
Many congratulations Cordella! Your parents would be super proud of your achievements – we certainly are!